Strawberry plant named ‘Marathon’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Marathon’, botanically identified as  Fragaria×ananassa.  The closest known varieties are ‘Key Largo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649), ‘Captiva’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,277, allowed) and ‘Mirador’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,279, allowed). The new variety is a partially everbearing fruit bearing variety. The variety is distinguished from ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ by its strong plant vigor, concave to flat cross section of the leaf, medium leaf blistering, same size diameter of inner to outer calyx, broader than longer fruit ratio length/width, large fruit size and cordate fruit shape.

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new variety originated as a result of a controlled cross between the strawberry plants ‘Key Largo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649) and ‘L3’ (unpatented proprietary) in an ongoing breeding program, and was discovered as a seedling in a controlled breeding plot. The original seedling of the new cultivar was asexually propagated by stolons in Shasta County, Calif. Propagules were transplanted to a controlled breeding plot in Valrico, Hillsborough County, Fla. where the new cultivar first fruited in December 1994 and was selected for further evaluation. ‘Marathon’ was subsequently asexually propagated and underwent further testing in the area of Valrico, Fla. from 1995-1999. This propagation and testing has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein which characterize the new variety are fixed and retained true to type through successive generations as asexual reproduction.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Marathon’. The variety is botanically identified as Fragaria×ananassa. The new variety is distinguished from other varieties by a number of characteristics as set forth in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

3. COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETIES

The varieties which we believe to be closest to ‘Marathon’ from those known to us are ‘Key Largo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649), ‘Captiva’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,277, allowed) and ‘Mirador’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,279, allowed). There are several characteristics of ‘Marathon’ that are different from, or not possessed by ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ or ‘Mirador’. Table 1 provides information on the plant and fruit characteristics of the new variety ‘Marathon’ compared with characteristics of ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’. Table 2 provides additional information of the plant and fruit characteristics of the new variety ‘Marathon’ compared with characteristics of the varieties ‘Captiva’, ‘Key Largo’ and ‘Mirador’. Table 3 provides isozyme characteristics of the new variety as compared to the varieties ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new variety, including fruit, foliage and flowers, in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in color illustrations of these characteristics.

FIG. 1 shows the fruit in longitudinal section, illustrating the typical flesh coloration.

FIG. 2 shows the upper surface of two typical folioles of the new variety.

FIG. 3 shows the flower and reproductive organs of the new variety, as well as the size and position of the petals and sepals and the underside of the calyx.

FIG. 4 shows typical whole fruit.

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following detailed description of the new variety is based upon observations taken of plants and fruit grown in Valrico, Fla., U.S.A. Observations of ‘Marathon’, ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ were taken in side by side comparisons in 1999. This description is in accordance with UPOV terminology. Color designations, color descriptions, and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic and cultural conditions. Colors are described and the closest matching color ratings are provided using The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart.

5.1 Propagation

The new variety is principally propagated by way of stolons. Although propagation by stolons is presently preferred, other known methods of propagating strawberry plants may be employed.

5.2 Characteristics of the New Variety

Information the new variety is presented in Tables 1, 2 and 3. In the tables, the flowers described are secondary flowers except where indicated. Petal color of ‘Marathon’ is white which is not referenced in The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart. The fruit described is the secondary fruit on one year old plants. Fruit and flower measurements are an average of both primary and secondary fruit and flowers.

Plants and Foliage

Plants of ‘Marathon’ are of strong vigor while those of ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ are of medium vigor. The average height of ‘Marathon’ is 21.0 cm, the average diameter is 37.9 cm, and the average number of crowns/plant is 3.8. The upper leaf surface of ‘Marathon’ is dark green with an R.H.S. color rating of 137B, whereas the color of three comparison varieties have an R.H.S. color rating of 137A. The underside of the leaves of ‘Marathon’ has a R.H.S. color rating of 138B, while ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ or ‘Mirador’ have an R.H.S. color rating of 139C. The shape of leaves of ‘Marathon’ in cross section is concave while those of ‘Key Largo’ and ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ are slightly concave. The leaves of ‘Marathon’ exhibit medium interveinal leaf-blistering. ‘Marathon’ has three leaflets and the leaves are of medium glossiness. The shape of the base of the terminal leaflet is slightly oblique and the teeth of the terminal leaflet are obtuse. The average number of teeth per terminal leaflet is 25.9. The average length and width of the terminal leaflet are 10.6 cm and 11.3 cm, respectively.

The petiole of ‘Marathon’ has medium pubescence. The pose of the petiole hairs is outwards compared to that of ‘Captiva’ and ‘Key Largo’ which is upwards. The average petiole length is 10.4 cm. The petiole color has an R.H.S. color rating of 141D.

The bract frequency is 30% and is typically single compared to that of ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ for which the bracts occur with a 60% frequency. The stipule length and width are 3.7 cm and 2.3 cm, respectively.

The stipule pubescence is medium. Marathon has a medium number to many stolons that are medium to thick in thickness with medium to strong anthocyanin coloration and sparse pubescence.

Flower and Fruit Characteristics

The position of the ‘Marathon’ inflorescence is beneath the foliage compared to that of ‘Mirador’ which is above. The flowers are large in size. The average petal length and width are 1.3 cm and 1.4 cm, respectively. The average flower diameter is 4.1 cm. The average calyx diameter is 3.7 cm.

The diameter of ‘Marathon's’ calyx is larger than the corolla while that of ‘Mirador’ is the same size. On secondary flowers, the diameter of the inner calyx is the same as the outer calyx. On secondary flowers with 5 to 6 petals, the petals are overlapping. The petal length-to-width ratio on secondary flowers is as broad as they are long compared to that of ‘Mirador’ which are broader than long.

The fruiting trusses are long in length with an average length of 18.5 cm from the crown to the base of the terminal flower or fruit. The attitude at first picking is prostrate compared to the semi-erect ‘Key Largo’ and erect ‘Mirador’.

Observations of ‘Marathon’ fruit were taken of secondary fruit on one year old plants. The fruits are predominantly cordate in shape. The fruit ratio of length to maximum width is as broad as long. The fruit are large in size. The average length and width of the fruit are 4.3 cm and 4.3 cm, respectively. There is a slight difference in fruit shape between the primary and secondary fruits. The band without achenes is narrow. The fruit surface has a weak uneveness.

The fruit skin color is an even orange-red with an R.H.S. color rating of 42A and strong glossiness.

The insertion of the achenes is below the surface of the fruit as compared to that of ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ which are level with the surface.

The calyx is set above the fruit and the pose of the calyx segments is spreading. The calyx diameter is larger than the fruit diameter. The adherence of the calyx to the fruit is medium.

The fruit flesh is medium firm when fully ripe. The color of the fruit flesh is medium red with an R.H.S. color rating of 42C. The fruit flesh color is slightly uneven, and the fruit flesh color distribution is marginal and central. The fruit has a medium sized hollow center.

The fruit has a medium sweetness with medium acidity and fine textures.

The time of flowering when 50% of the plants are at first flower is early. Initial flowering occurs in late-October to early-November.

The harvest maturity when 50% of the plants possess ripe fruit is early. Season of harvest is from late-November through early-April. ‘Marathon’ is a partially everbearing variety.

The average number of stamens is 28.

Anthocyanin coloration is red to purple.

The average number of pedicels/peduncle is 2.3. Average diameter of peduncle is 4.5 mm. Average length of peduncle is 5.8 cm. Average pedicel diameter is 2.7 mm. Average length of pedicels is 11.8 cm. Average petiole diameter is 3.8 mm.

Insertion of achenes is below surface. Achene color is yellow to red (12A to 46A).

Average sepal number is 10.9 and sepal length is 1.5 cm.

Percent brix is 8.3. Amount of pollen produced is abundant and fertile.

TABLE 1 DETAILED COMPARISON OF ‘MARATHON’, KEY LARGO, ‘CAPTIVA’ AND ‘MIRADOR’ KEY MARATHON CAPTIVA LARGO MIRADOR Plant Characteristics Avg. Height 21.0 cm 13.0 cm 18.3 cm 20.0 cm of Plant Avg. Spread 37.9 cm 33.1 cm 39.2 cm 35.0 cm of Plant Avg. Number 3.8 4.4 4.0 3.0 of Crowns Leaf Characteristics Terminal 11.3 cm  7.3 cm  8.9 cm  9.0 cm Leaflet Width Terminal 10.6 cm  7.2 cm  8.5 cm  8.3 cm Leaflet Length Terminal 0.94 0.99 0.96 0.92 Leaflet Length/Width Ratio Number of 25.9 25.4 23.8 20.0 Teeth/Terminal Leaflet Petiole 10.4 8.1 10.4 12.8 Length Bract 30% 60% 30% 60% Frequency Typically Typically Typically Typically Single Single in pairs Single Stipule 3.7 3.6 3.7 3.6 Length Stipule 2.3 1.8 1.9 2.2 Width Flower Characteristics Petal Width  1.4 cm  1.4 cm  1.5 cm  1.6 cm Petal Length  1.3 cm  1.4 cm  1.5 cm  1.5 cm Petal 0.93 1.00 1.00 0.94 Length/Width Ratio Flower Diameter  4.1 cm  3.6 cm  3.9 cm  4.0 cm Calyx  3.7 cm  4.3 cm  5.1 cm  4.0 cm Diameter Fruit Characteristics Fruit Width  4.3 cm  3.6 cm  3.5 cm  3.5 cm Fruit Length  4.3 cm  4.1 cm  4.2 cm  3.5 cm Fruit 1.00 1.14 1.20 1.00 Length/Width Ratio Average 26.5 17.8 22.4 16.3 Berry Weight (g) Fruit Skin Orange Orange Dark Red Red Color Red Red 46B 45B 42A 45A Fruit Flesh Light Red Light Light Red Pale Rose Color 42C Red 44C 43B 49C Total Yield 638 369 277 551 (g/plant)

TABLE 2 CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘MARATHON’, ‘KEY LARGO’, ‘CAPTIVA’, AND ‘MIRADOR’ MAR- KEY ATHON CAPTIVA LARGO MIRADOR Plant Habit Flat Flat Globuse Globuse globuse Globuse Density Medium Medium Medium Open Vigor Strong Medium Medium Medium Leaf Color of upper Dark Dark Dark Dark side Green Green Green Green 137B 137A 137A 137A Color or under Light Light Light Light side Green Green Green Green 138B 139C 139C 139C Shape in cross Concave Slightly Slightly Slightly section Concave Concave Concave Interveinal Medium Weak Weak Weak blistering Glossiness Medium Medium Medium Medium Number of  3  3  3  3 leaflets Terminal Revolute Revolute Revolute Revolute leaflet margin profile Terminal Slightly Obtuse Slightly Slightly leaflet shape oblique oblique oblique of base Terminal Obtuse Obtuse Rounded Rounded leaflet shape of teeth Terminal 25.9 25.4 23.8 20.0 leaflet average number of teeth Petiole Medium Medium Medium Medium pubescence Petiole pose Outwards Upwards Upwards Outwards of hairs Petiole Color 141D 141C 141C 141C Stipule Medium Medium Medium Medium Pubesence Bracts 30% 60% 30% 60% frequency on Typically Typically Typically Typically petioles Single Single in pairs Single Stolon Number Medium to Medium to — Many many many Anthocyanin Medium to Strong — Medium to coloration strong strong Thickness Medium to Medium to — Thin to thick thick medium Pubescence Sparse Sparse to — Sparse to medium medium Inflorescence Position Beneath Beneath Beneath Above relative to foliage Flower size Large Medium Large Small Diameter of Larger Larger Much Same size calyx relative larger to corolla Diameter of Same size Smaller Smaller Smaller inner calyx relative to outer Spacing of Overlapping Over- Over- Over- petals lapping lapping lapping Fruiting Truss Attitude at Prostrate Prostate Semi- Erect first picking erect Length 18.5 cm  9.4 cm 16.6 cm 17.3 cm Fruit Predominant Cordate Conical Conical Conical shape Difference in Slight Slight Slight Slight shapes between primary and secondary fruits Band without Narrow Narrow Narrow Narrow achenes Unevenness of Weak Weak Weak Weak surface Skin color Orange Red Orange red Dark red Red 45B 42A 45A 46B Evenness of Even Slightly Even slightly color uneven uneven Glossiness Strong Medium Strong Medium Insertion of Below Level with Below Level with achenes surface surface surface surface Insertion of Above fruit Above Above Above calyx fruit fruit fruit Pose of the Spreading Spreading Reflexed Spreading calyx segments Size of calyx Larger Larger Larger Larger in relation to fruit Firmness of Medium Firm Firm Firm flesh Color of flesh Light Red Light Red Light Red Pale Rose 42C 49C 44B 43B Evenness of Slightly Slightly Slightly Slightly flesh color uneven uneven uneven uneven Distribution Marginal Marginal Marginal Only of flesh color and central and and marginal central central Hollow center Medium Small Medium Medium size Sweetness Medium Medium Medium Medium Texture when Fine Fine Medium Fine tasted Acidity Medium Medium Medium Medium

5.3 Insect and Disease Resistance and Susceptibility

The ‘Marathon’ variety is moderately susceptible to Xanthomonas fragariae and Botrytis fruit rot. The variety is susceptible to Powdery Mildew and Verticillium wilt. The ‘Marathon’ variety is also susceptible to injury by the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), lygus bug (Lygus hesperus) and Aphis spp. (Aphids). ‘Marathon’ is moderately resistant to the Strawberry Mottle Virus.

5.4 ISOZYME ANALYSIS

In addition to the morphological description above, the new cultivar ‘Marathon’ has been analyzed to obtain an indication of its genetic makeup to provide further means for identifying the new variety and distinguishing it from some other somewhat similar and/or related strawberry varieties. Specifically, leaf samples of ‘Marathon’, ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ were analyzed by electrophoresis for isozyme patterns of the enzymes phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and phosphoglucomutase (PGM). See J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 106:684-687. Isozyme characterization of the four varieties is presented in Table 3, with the letters representing the banding patterns for each enzyme as designated in the above-identified article.

TABLE 3 ISOZYME ANALYSIS FOR ‘MARATHON’, ‘CAPTIVA’, ‘KEY LARGO’ AND ‘MIRADOR’ Locus MARATHON CAPTIVA KEY LARGO MIRADOR PGI A1 A2 A1 A3 LAP B3 B3 B3 B3* PGM C4 C2 C4 C4 *With a slower migration band staining more weakly than typical B3 pattern. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant, substantially as shown and described. 